Law and compliance changes, funding opportunities and cost changes that affect South African small businesses. Every update is checked against the official source.
CIPC's first phase requires a majority of the board to confirm each new director by one-time password, or the application is terminated.
Who it affects: Small companies whose directors and shareholders are the same people
The Compensation Fund warns that employers with outstanding returns for 2025 and earlier face estimated assessments or a penalty if they miss its October deadline.
Who it affects: Employers with outstanding Returns of Earnings for 2025 and earlier years
Business owners have until 28 October 2026 to comment on South Africa's draft electricity pricing policy.
Who it affects: Business owners who buy electricity and want to comment on pricing policy
The Reserve Bank's policy rate is 7.25%, with the next decision on 19 November 2026, so check your borrowing costs before budgeting.
Who it affects: Business owners with variable-rate loans, overdrafts or vehicle finance
Black-owned businesses run by 18 to 35 year olds can apply for Absa's non-repayable youth fund grants until 31 October 2026 at 23:59.
Who it affects: Black-owned early-stage businesses run by South Africans aged 18 to 35
The Transformation Fund still has no application process and the B-BBEE code changes behind it are still drafts, so nobody can apply for you yet.
Who it affects: Black-owned businesses hoping for funding, and larger businesses that must meet B-BBEE targets
Every employer registered for PAYE must submit the EMP501 interim reconciliation for March to August 2026 between 21 September and 31 October.
Who it affects: Every employer registered for PAYE, including small businesses with one employee
SARS has moved diesel refund registration to a new eFiling system, and existing farming, forestry, mining and fishing users must register again because it is not automatic.
Who it affects: Businesses claiming diesel refunds (farming, forestry, mining, fishing and others) and diesel sellers
Individuals with a February year-end who underpaid provisional tax for 2025/26 have until 30 September 2026 to make the voluntary third payment.
Who it affects: Provisional taxpayers with a February year-end, including most sole proprietors
With the repo rate at 7% and prime at 10.50%, the 23 September decision will set the cost of variable-rate business debt.
Who it affects: Businesses and owners with overdrafts, loans or vehicle finance linked to prime
Diesel rose by 293.90 to 314.90 cents a litre on 2 September 2026. Review transport costs, prices and quotes against the confirmed increase.
Who it affects: Transport, delivery, farming, construction and any business that runs vehicles or generators
Non-provisional taxpayers must file by 23 October 2026, while provisional taxpayers and trusts have until 22 January 2027.
Who it affects: Individual taxpayers, including sole proprietors, and trusts
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This update is general information, checked against the official source on the date shown. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and dates can change, so confirm with the official source or a qualified adviser before you act.
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